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Cancer Treatment Diet

| Date Posted: 6/28/2013 | Author: Mandy McCue

Cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation, can cause daily discomfort as well as temporarily weaken your immune system. It is important to have a proper diet full of nutrients going into treatment to help combat cancer side effects. Some of the more common side effects are:

Loss or change of appetite

Sore mouth or throat

Dry mouth

Changes in taste or sell

Nausea

Vomiting

Diarrhea

Constipation

Feeling tired

Depression

Diet can play a role in managing certain side effects. These needs can vary from person to person. Gayla Comer, a registered dietitian with FirstHealth’s Cancer Program can help you find the right diet for you and the symptoms you may be experiencing. Here are some general eating and diet tips from the American Cancer Society to help with some common symptoms:

Sore mouth or throat

Avoid tart, acidic or salty foods, as well as pickled and vinegary foods, tomato-based foods and some canned broths

Use canned liquid nutritional supplements if you are unable to eat enough food to meet your needs

Chop or puree your food

Drink 6 to 8 cups of fluids each day

Dry mouth

Drink 8 to 10 cups of liquids a day

Take small bites and chew your food well

Eat soft, moist foods

Moisten foods with brother, soup, sauces etc.

Suck on sugarless candy or chew sugarless gum to stimulate saliva

Nausea

Eat 6 to 8 snacks or small meals a day

Eat dry foods, like crackers or toast

Eat foods that do not have a strong odor

Eat cool foods instead of hot or spicy foods

Avoid foods that are overly sweet, greasy, fried or spicy

If you need to rest, sit up or recline with your head raised for at least an hour after eating

Sip clear liquids regularly to avoid dehydration

Diarrhea

Drink plenty of mild, clear, non-carbonated liquids during the day.

Eat small, frequent meals and snacks during the day

Avoid greasy, fried, spicy or very sweet foods

Limit milk product to two cups a day

Avoid drinks and foods that cause gas

Drink and eat high-sodium food and high-potassium foods

Increase soluble-fiber foods

Constipation

Try eating at the same time every day

Try to have a bowel movement at the same time each day

Drink 8 to 10 cups of liquid each day

Use laxatives only as directed by your doctor

If it’s okay with your doctor, eat high-fiber and bulky foods

Limit drinks and foods that cause gas

Feeling tired

Prioritize your activities. Do the most important ones when you the most energy

Take short walks or get regular exercise

Drink plenty of fluids

Make sure you get enough rest

Try easier or shorter versions of your usual activities

Loss or change of appetite

Eat several snacks throughout the day rather than three meals

Make eating more enjoyable; more your food look more enjoyable, play your favorite music, watch TV or eating with someone

Be physically active

Keep high-calorie, high-protein snacks on hand

Eat your favorite foods at any time of the day

Be sure to meet your basic calorie needs

It is important to speak with your doctor about any side effects from treatment you may be experiencing. FirstHealth Moore regional Hospital’s FirstHealth Cancer Services treats cancer patients in the Pinehurst, Raeford, Sanford, Lumberton, Laurinburg, Troy, and Rockingham regions of North Carolina and beyond.